TUNIS, Tunisia / ISTANBUL 

A Tunisian lawmaker said Saturday he will join an international flotilla heading to Gaza in a bid to break Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave.

Mohamed Ali, a member of parliament from the nationalist People’s Movement, told reporters at the headquarters of Tunisia’s journalists’ union that he will take part in the mission “to stand with Palestine” on behalf of Tunisian legislators.

He said parliament has set up a special committee to monitor the flotilla’s progress and respond to any developments.

“It is an honor for Tunisia to be the first harbor for figures from around the world committed to freedom to sail toward Gaza,” Ali said.

Framing the effort as peaceful but determined, he added: “Our strength is truth, justice and the belief in the justice of Palestine’s cause.” He urged lawmakers worldwide to establish “an international parliamentary alliance” to confront Israel’s war on Gaza and its blockade of the territory.

Ali acknowledged the risks of sailing, saying: “The Israeli occupation is capable of anything, but we are ready to face every possibility in defense of Palestine.”

Nearly 20 ships departed Barcelona late last month as part of the flotilla, followed by another convoy from Genoa, Italy earlier this week. A third flotilla is scheduled to set sail from Tunisia on Sunday before continuing toward Gaza.
The mission brings together the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Gaza Movement, the Sumud Convoy and Malaysia’s Nusantara Solidarity group.

On Aug. 22, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that famine had taken hold in northern Gaza and warned it could spread further as Israel’s blockade continues.

The Israeli genocidal war in Gaza entered day 700 on Friday, with Israel having killed at least 64,300 Palestinians. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.